Sasha

Does anybody know where the engine grouding straps are on 87 944na?

I have battery voltage (car - off) at 12.4V, and alternator voltage (car is running) at 12.6V. I am checking into regulator, but ground might also be a problem.

Thanks for any info. you provide

slevy951

I know there is one at the very back of the motor on the top of the bellhousing that I believe goes back to the battery. Not completely sure if there are any more....Danno? Anyone else? Bueller?

IceShark

It is on the back of the block and there should also be a short one from the battery to the firewall in battery compartment. There is some bottleneck in the car's frame and body that also causes poor grounding for the general electrical system once it gets older. A supplemental ground from the front of the engine block to the lighting ground on the frame rail under the headlight bucket pretty much clears that up.

12.6v while car is running is pretty low, I'm surprised you can keep the battery up at 12.4v. You probably have more than one problem.

Anyway, I have adjustable volatge regulators for $21 including shipping if you want to put one of those in and see what happens.

Sasha

Thanks for quick response.

It started yesterday on my way to work, I took the regulator off and am now checking wiring.
If ground checks out ok, I will go with OEM regulator! Thanks for offer, though.

I will add an additional grounding wire to the front of the engine.

I suspect the alternator itself, will probably have to replace it.

Melchior

Where is the voltage regulators on these cars anyway? I have a 944S2.

You can also clean the slide-in resistor located on the back of the voltage guage. Is gets corroded over the years and begins to show a 'false' voltage reading. Getting to it requires removing the instrument cluster/airbage/steering wheel. Remember!!!!!!!! If you have to remove the airbag, you MUST disconnect the battery and wait ~1 hour in order to allow it to discharge: then you can NEVER reconnect the battery until it is re-connected because it will cause the airbag/master warning light to stay on until your fiendly Porsche dealership turns it off!

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Sasha

The voltage reg. is mounted on the back for the alternator. It has brushes and the top of it looks round (as opposed to radio noise filter - also mounted on the back of the alternator which is of a rectangular shape)

Both made by Bosche, regulator part# is 1.197.311.005

I know of meter problems, I measured the voltage with a scope.

Thanks.